17. China and the EU will cooperate to improve the economic, social, fiscal, financial and environmental sustainability of Europe-Asia connectivity and interoperability. Such cooperation should abide by the shared principles of market rules, transparency, open procurement, a level playing field and fair competition, and comply with established international norms and standards, as well as the law of the countries benefiting from the projects, while taking into account their policies and individual situations.

The two sides will continue to forge synergies between China's Belt and Road Initiative and the EU strategy on Connecting Europe and Asia as well as the EU Trans-European Transport Networks, and welcome the agreement, in the framework of the China-EU Connectivity Platform, on the terms of reference for the Joint Study on sustainable Railway-based Corridors between China and Europe. The two sides will enhance communication within the framework of the China-EU Connectivity Platform. 

Foreign and security policy

18. China and the EU reaffirm their intention to contribute jointly to international peace and stability through intensified dialogue and cooperation and in line with international law. They support the peaceful settlement of regional disputes and conflicts through dialogue and consultation.

On Iran, the two sides recalled that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is a key element of the global non-proliferation architecture and a significant diplomatic achievement endorsed unanimously by the UN Security Council in its Resolution 2231, and reaffirm their commitment to its continued, full and effective implementation, as well as their efforts to preserve economic benefits for Iran. China and the EU recall the importance of the Arak Modernisation Project, and the need to continue their common efforts in this regard. Both sides welcomed the fact that the IAEA has confirmed in 14 consecutive reports the continued adherence by Iran to its nuclear-related commitments.

China and the EU support the DPRK and the US in maintaining dialogue towards a peaceful solution, as well as the continued inter-Korean reconciliation. EU: Both sides underlined the importance of the full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions by all parties.

19. China and the EU are committed to work together and co-ordinate closely on the evolving peace process in Afghanistan, which needs to be a comprehensive and inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned political process that will lead to sustainable peace. Both sides also agree to support international and regional efforts towards stability and security in order to facilitate Afghanistan's economic and social development and greater regional economic connectivity before, during and after a peace settlement.

20. China and the EU are following closely the evolving situation in Venezuela and are willing to work with other parties on a political, peaceful and democratic solution, decided by the people of Venezuela.

21. China, the EU and its Member States are parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and respect the maritime order based on international law and uphold freedoms of navigation and overflight enjoyed by all states in accordance with international law. The EU welcomes the ongoing consultations between China and ASEAN countries aimed at the conclusion of an effective Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea. China and the EU call upon all relevant parties to engage in dialogue, to settle disputes peacefully, and to refrain from actions likely to increase tensions.

22. China and the EU agree to reinforce cooperation and high-level exchanges on peace, security and defense, including on maritime security and counter-piracy, support for African solutions to African problems to maintain the peace and security in Africa, and information exchange on crisis management and UN peacekeeping operations.

23. Concerning Ukraine and recalling the UN Security Council Resolution 2202 (2015), China and the EU call for full implementation of the Minsk agreements.

24. They also exchanged views on the situation in and around Myanmar.